‘Adventure Time: Islands’ DVD GIVEAWAY

Posted on January 6, 2017January 26, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

In Adventure Time: Islands, Finn (voiced by Jeremy Shada), Jake (John DiMaggio), BMO (Niki Yang) and Susan Strong (Jackie Buscarino) leave the Land of Ooo to embark on a quest of epic proportions across the ocean and into new lands—encountering new creatures, discovering new islands and using teamwork along the way.

We have some DVDs to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of Adventure Time: Islands, email us at [email protected] with “Adventure Time Islands Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).

The deadline for this giveaway is January 22, 2017.

Doc McStuffins visits Pooh and friends

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Two beloved Disney characters come together in a new episode of Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins. This episode is titled “Into the Hundred Acre Wood!” and brings Doc and her friends together with Pooh and his friends. Oh bother! What could be more entertaining?

“Winnie the Pooh books and animation have always been hugely important to me, so it’s a personal dream come true to be able to bring together the worlds of the Hundred Acre Wood and McStuffinsville, especially since Christopher Robin is the original human famous for talking to his stuffed animals and toys,” creator and executive producer Chris Nee says. “This episode is an homage to the original Disney animation and storytelling styles, from the original songs, including a hat tip to the Sherman Brothers, to the visuals which evoke old school Winnie the Pooh.”

“Into the Hundred Acre Wood!” features two original songs, “Follow That Bear!” and “Think Heavy Thoughts,” both written and produced by Michelle Lewis, Kay Hanley and Dan Petty. Winnie the Pooh also sings the series’ iconic song “I Feel Better.”

Doc ventures “Into the Hundred Acre Wood!” with her toys and welcomes Winnie the Pooh and friends to McStuffinsville. The episode is set to debut on Disney Junior on National Winnie the Pooh Day, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 (7:30-8:00 p.m. EST).

Photos: Disney Junior

A Peek at Voltron Legendary Defender Season 2

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

The universe’s greatest protector will rise again and pick up where last seasons cliff hanger left off with DreamWorks Voltron Legendary Defender Season 2! In celebration of this fan-favorite sequel coming to Netflix on Friday, January 20th, DreamWorks Animation Television and Netflix have released the trailer everyone’s been waiting for!

‘The Lion Guard: Life in the Pride Lands’ DVD

Posted on January 1, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

The newest DVD featuring the loveable animals of the Pride Lands and especially the five youngsters that comprise The Lion Guard: Life in the Pride Lands is filled with colorful and musical episodes. There are five episodes from the popular Disney Junior TV series.

Every episode captures the heart of the characters. In one episode little Bunga, a brave yet often pesky honey badger, finds himself stuck in a hole with non other than Simba, the King of the Pride Lands. While Simba’s patience is often stretched to the max with this little guy, they realize they are closer than either of them things. Timon and Pumba raised both Simba and Bunga so, in a sense, they are like brothers. This, and the philosophy given – or sung- to them by Timon and Pumba, Hakuna Matata, helps them find their way out of the hole through a maze of caverns.

And speaking of Bunga, there is a bonus feature of six “It’s UnBungalievable!” shorts. In each one Bunga and Ono look at different animals and, as they both learn and as viewers learn, there are amazing facts about each animal they examine while Bunga decides which one is the quickest (cheetahs or hummingbirds), the hungriest (hippos or bears), the cutest (baby chimps or baby cheetahs), the loudest (elephants or lions), the mightiest (lions or bears), and who has the cuter hair (giraffes or zebras).

Also included on the disc are two music videos filled with scenes from the show. The episodes are: “The Rise of Makuu,” “The Kaputana Celebration,” “Bunga and the King,” “Never Roar Again,” and “The Imaginary Okapi.”

While the Lion Guard is busy keeping the Pride Land animals safe, they are a fun bunch to watch. The Circle of Life is filled with Hakuna Matata and the entertaining adventures of The Lion Guard.

In addition to the DVD, the box contains five wristbands in five different colors and bearing the names and traits of the five members of the Lion Guard: Kion, the Fiercest, Fuli, the Fastest, Bunga, the Bravest, Beshte, the Strongest, and Ono, the Keenest of Sight. These red, purple, gold, green, and blue wristbands are fun for kids (ages 3 and up) to wear and show their support for Kion and the group.

This is a fun collection of antics featuring the loveable animals from The Lion Guard. It’s, as they say in the Pride Lands, “Hevi Kabisa,” or as we who don’t speak Swahili say, “totally intense.”

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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First Peek: Redford and Fonda’s new Netflix movie

Posted on December 28, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Based on the novel written by Kent Haruf and adapted for the screen by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber (The Fault in Our Stars), Our Souls at Night is set in Colorado and begins when Addie Moore (Jane Fonda) pays an unexpected visit to a neighbor, Louis Waters (Robert Redford). Her husband died years ago, as did his wife, and in such a small town they’d been neighbors for decades, but had little contact. Their children live far away and they are all alone in their big houses. She seeks to establish a connection, and make the most of the rest of the time they have.

Our Souls at Night airs in 2017.

‘Peanuts by Shultz: Snoopy Tales’ DVD GIVEAWAY

Posted on December 26, 2016January 26, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Experience Peanuts like never before with this beautifully animated series that captures the adventures of Charlie Brown, his lovable beagle, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang. The first new animated Peanuts cartoon series in over 10 years, Peanuts by Schulz: Snoopy Tales presents viewers with stories from the original, print comic strips, told through a series of beautifully animated vignettes. Whether pestering Charlie Brown for a snack, battling Linus for his blanket or snoozing the day away with Woodstock, Snoopy once again proves that he’s not your ordinary dog. Peanuts by Schulz: Snoopy Tales is sure to captivate both new and long-time Peanuts fans alike.

There are 32 episodes in this 2-disc set. We have some sets to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of Peanuts, email us at [email protected] with “Peanuts Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).

The deadline for this giveaway is January 22, 2017.

‘Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future’ on PBS’ American Masters

Posted on December 22, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

I don’t know when and how my fascination with architecture was ignited, but I vividly remember how St. Louis’ landmark Gateway Arch made me feel. So when PBS sent me a press release of American Masters episode with a photo of the Arch, I knew I had to watch it.

American Masters concludes the 30th anniversary season with Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future on December 27, 2016. The documentary explores the life and work of Eero Saarinen (1910 – 1961), Finnish-American architect and industrial designer best known for the St. Louis Arch. It is interwoven with a father-son story across three generations of Saarinen men, Eliel (prominent Finnish architect), Eero, and Eric.

The film showcases Eero’s body of timeless work including the Gateway Arch, General Motors Technical Center, New York’s TWA Flight Center, Virginia’s Dulles International Airport along with his designing maneuvers that went on behind the scenes. The architect’s brainstorming sessions while standing in huge scale models are intriguing. How he executed his ideas with unconventional forms, shapes, and materials as well as who and what influenced his designs are fascinating. Thinking outside the box and re-inventing things each time around were in his nature. You could say his designs represent American optimism and openness of the 50s.

Having said that, you can’t deny an underlying feeling of sadness throughout the documentary because it was directed and co-produced by Eric Saarinen, Eero’s firstborn child from his first marriage. Eero left his family for Aline Louchheim, The New York Times art critic. While visiting the sites of Eero’s as well as Eliel’s works, Eric reflects with sadness on the unhappiness of growing up with absent father. It was a different time; work was everything to these men and absent fathers were the norm. Thanks to that lifestyle, though, we get to enjoy their visionary works for years to come.

His passion for architecture and a strong work ethic made Eero one of the masters of American 20th-century architecture, but it’s heartbreaking to hear Eric saying, “I resented my father for literally abandoning my mother, my sister, and me, but I never saw it from his point of view.” Maybe I’m projecting, but he must be carrying all kinds of ill feelings towards his father.

Then, it dawned on me. This is exactly what Noah Solloway (The Affair) was talking about. This documentary proves that a cheater can be a great man. To the public, Eero may be an architectural giant, but to Eric’s eyes he is a cheater who had left him twice. I wonder what kind of thoughts ran through Eric’s mind when he stood in emotionally engaging and awe-inspiring works of his father, who chose to be absent from Eric’s life and died so sudden at 51. “Closure was something I didn’t have with my dad. But I forgive him for his genius,” Eric commented. I get emotional when I think about his predicament and hope this film was a cathartic release for him. Regardless, I believe Eero Saarinen did what he wanted to do and lived a short yet happy life.

Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future premiers on PBS’ American Masters December 27, 2016.

About the Author

Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of human drama worth watching. She is a member of Television Critics Association as well as Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

‘Maximum Ride’ on DVD

Posted on December 22, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

In an adaptation of James Patterson’s young adult novel Maximum Ride, this movie bring to life the six human/bird hybrid kids that have captured the attention of not only young adult readers but older readers as well. The series is engrossing, and I admit I was completely absorbed by the novels. I then passed them along to a teenage friend of mine and she loved them too.

So, what is there to say about a film that is taken from a beloved novel? It brings the characters to light and takes viewers into the lives of these hybrid kids. The story follows much of the novel. The film, however, is definitely what you would call a B movie. If it had had a larger budget I believe it would have made a better impact on audiences.

That said, if you enjoyed the novels, you will definitely enjoy this DVD. And if you have never heard of the series, you will still find the story interesting.

The story centers on kids (Max, Angel, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy) who have had their DNA altered. These experiments (kind of like Stitch in Lilo and Stitch) can fly and they each have special additional attributes. They were created at “The School” and kept in cages. But when one of the scientists helps them escape and takes them to “The Birdhouse,” a secluded house, they begin to live like human kids.

After one of them is kidnapped and taken back to The School, the rest stretch out their wings and go after her. They are up against “Erasers” who have been designed to capture/kill them. These beings are human/wolf hybrids.

Max leads the group. She is courageous and cunning. She is also caring, about not only her “family” but also anyone in trouble. That trait gets her into trouble, but she manages to get back on her feet – and her wings.

The movie leaves off with the hope of sequels to come, just like the novels.

If you haven’t read the books, watch this DVD. Then go out and purchase the series that sold over 20 million books worldwide. We all know James Patterson is a proficient author for adults, but he is also a great storyteller for young adults. This book series proves that.

Maximum Ride is rated PG-13 for some violence.

For information about the book series, click here.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe’ by Robert Matzen – Book Review

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

While you might think of Jimmy Stewart as only a Hollywood A-list actor, there was much more to this man than his on screen characters can portray. Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight For Europe is a fascinating look at Stewart’s participation in World War II as well as his commitment to his country and the men he commanded.

Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda were best friends from the time they shared an apartment in New York while hunting for acting jobs. Then Fonda got a contract in Hollywood and left, followed a short while later by Stewart. Their fun-loving Hollywood lifestyle had them carousing at clubs and restaurants, and playing the field with the Hollywood actresses of the day.

Stewart had a love of flying and began taking lessons. With the war looming, he decided he would be best suited for the Army Air Corps. He spent his spare hours in the air building up his time. When it became time to join, Stewart was up against MGM who held his contract. They didn’t want anything happening to their money making star. But James Stewart didn’t want to stay in Hollywood with all its superficiality. He wanted to contribute to society and his country. He faced several obstacles on his way, but he finally got what he wanted.

Stewart rose from private to colonel and experienced the harshness of war while being stationed in England and flying missions over Germany and France. His combat missions eventually took a toll on him and after one brutal mission he decided he wouldn’t fly again. The stress of fighting and being in command of men who also fought and some died and some were taken prisoners, took a toll on Stewart. He couldn’t eat and said ice cream and peanut butter were what got him through. He was stressed to the max. But through it all he was deeply committed to fighting for his country. His patriotism and concern for the men under his command are deeply commendable.

After returning to Hollywood, Stewart teamed up with his friend Frank Capra for another Stewart/Capra hit, It’s a Wonderful Life. In this film, the first after the war for both the star and the director, the character of George Bailey discovered life is worth living. After floundering since returning from the war and trying to wrap his head around what he experienced, Stewart felt a lot like his character. It’s a Wonderful Life brought him back to the world, in a way. He never got over what he went through in the war, but he once again became a beloved movie star.

The story of James Stewart is fascinating. Yes, he has a large filmography and won awards for his acting, however he was a true hero in the war, although he would never want anyone to think of him that way. Stewart was not about himself, even though actors tend to be self-promoting. But Jimmy Stewart was not. He was a genuinely caring man.

This book details his rise to stardom and his reclaiming his career after the war, however it mainly covers his years in the service. This book is an interesting and amazing story about one of Hollywood’s best actors of the 20th century.

About the Reviewer

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‘Lost in Florence’ trailer

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

When Eric Lombard proposes to his girlfriend Colleen during a romantic trip to Florence, he is shocked when she turns him down and heads back home. Heartbroken, he stays behind with his cousin Anna and her Italian husband who introduces him to calcio storico, an ancient form of football played every summer in Florence that combines rugby and street fighting. As a former college football star, Eric is a natural at the sport, and while many of the local Italians have their reservations about an American playing their beloved game, he proves himself again and again on the field and ultimately wins their approval.

Lost in Florence opens January 27, 2017.